One often-overlooked airport feature is the jet bridge. It’s understandable why — the typical boarding process these days is hectic enough that you might not even think to take stock of the (possibly overheated) tunnel you’re standing in as you anxiously await getting settled onboard. But before enclosed passenger boarding bridges came around in the late 1950s, it was common to venture out onto the tarmac and board a plane via stairs, which obviously didn’t bode well in adverse weather conditions or for those with mobility challenges. Take a look at how the modern jet bridge came to exist — and why it’s such a useful tool for helping your flight depart on time.

A Brief History of the Jet Bridge

According to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Chicago O’Hare International Airport debuted the first jet bridge in 1958. Known as the “Aero-Gangplank,” it provided passengers a direct link from the terminal to the aircraft, and not only was it shielded from the elements, but it also made for a more efficient turnaround between flights by eliminating passengers having to walk across the tarmac as crews worked to prepare the plane for its next departure. 

Other early adopters of the passenger boarding bridge in the late 1950s included what is now Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Los Angeles International Airport, New York’s LaGuardia Airport, and San Francisco International Airport. At the latter hub, American was the first carrier to install the modern, telescoping version of the jet bridge passengers are now familiar with. Its brand name, Jet Way, became synonymous with the structure and is still used today. By the 1970s and ’80s, jet bridges were standard at every major airport in the country.

Interestingly, the first passenger boarding bridges were arranged a little differently than the ones we’re used to today. Back then, airplanes typically parked parallel to the terminal building, with two short jet bridges that connected to the front and rear doors of the aircraft. As air travel rapidly expanded in the 1960s, jet bridges were repositioned so that planes parked perpendicular to the terminal, which allowed for more efficient use of terminal space.

How Jet Bridges Keep Flights on Time

While there have been upgrades to jet bridges over time — air-conditioning, automated sensors, dual jet bridges to board larger planes — the basic concept hasn’t changed much. The operator (typically an airline gate agent) uses a joystick and a computer screen to extend the telescoping sections of the boarding bridge and maneuver it to dock with the aircraft boarding door. The height of each jet bridge is adjusted based on the individual aircraft type. Once the operator pulls the bridge up to the aircraft, a canopy extends overhead to attach to the aircraft fuselage and a lever attaches to the aircraft, as seen in this video.

Speaking of different aircraft types, the next time you’re waiting to board, take a look at the ground outside the window. You’ll notice a long yellow line extending away from the terminal building — the pilot uses this to align the forward wheel to guide the aircraft to its parking position. There are also several smaller yellow lines that are arranged perpendicular to the main line. These are each marked with a different aircraft type and indicate when the pilot should hit the brakes for ideal alignment with the jet bridge, based on the position of that aircraft’s boarding door.

While the technology is relatively straightforward, jet bridges are essential to keeping modern airports running efficiently. By providing a seamless, climate-controlled link to the terminal, they allow passengers to board quickly and without weather delays or the need to be bused across the tarmac to a remote parking stand. They also provide separation from passengers and the ground crews that are working to fuel the aircraft and load baggage for its next flight. Some jet bridges are even equipped with real-time data sensors that can provide the airline’s ground operations center with updates on the progress of boarding. 

Airports Without Jet Bridges

If you’ve ever traveled to Europe, you may have noticed that — even if your airport is equipped with jet bridges — some flights are still boarded via a bus to airstairs on the tarmac. Indeed, bus boarding is more common in Europe due to a variety of factors, including more gates that are shared between airlines instead of owned by an individual airline and a preference of low-cost carriers to use bus boarding to save on airport fees. In North America, conversely, boarding via airstairs is relatively rare, though not unheard of; at Hollywood Burbank Airport, for example, passengers walk out to the tarmac and board via airstairs or a long, open-air ramp.

One big reason is that jet bridges are expensive to install. They typically cost upwards of $500,000 and as much as $1 million to $2 million per boarding bridge, depending on its capabilities. That means you’ll typically find a lack of jet bridges at smaller regional airports — ones that don’t handle enough traffic to justify the investment or with good enough weather year-round to keep the boarding experience pleasant for passengers. In addition to Burbank, examples include Kona International Airport in Hawaii, Bellingham International Airport in Washington, and Long Beach Airport in Southern California. 

At major airports, there are some exceptions. For example, some regional flights at Toronto Pearson International Airport board via airstairs on the tarmac. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has also introduced bus boarding to handle growing demand and to provide more capacity as construction projects are underway at the airport. And at Denver International, low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines is moving to ground boarding to save on costs.

In November 2025, I took what most people would consider to be a pretty uneventful flight from New York to Madrid. But for me, it was a rather significant milestone: It was my first flight in 28 years. You might find that surprising for someone who writes about travel, but for nearly three decades, I faced a crippling fear of flying, and I made all my trips by car or train. Earlier this year, an invite to a European wedding that I couldn’t miss served as a catalyst for finally facing my fears. Here’s how it went — and how my experience may help you, too.

The Backstory

When I was a child, my family flew from New York to Puerto Rico, California, and the Cayman Islands, all without any hiccups or traumatic experiences that I can recall. But in the late 1990s and early 2000s, we started taking vacations closer to home. During this time, years went by where I wasn’t exposed to planes or airports, and an irrational fear of flying began to percolate. The next time my family brought up the idea of flying somewhere, I found myself in a full-blown panic and unwilling to travel with them.

I wasn’t entirely sure where this fear came from, but I was confident that I wanted to travel only by car or train. Despite the many statistics to the contrary, doing so simply made me feel safer. So, from my teenage years until my mid-30s, I shunned airports and stuck to long road trips and train trips, exploring 48 U.S. states and parts of Canada. The fact that I was doing so much domestic travel helped me justify my lack of flying. And all my friends got married close to home, so I never had to worry about missing a big event because of my fear — until the end of 2024, when I was told by a good friend that he would be getting married in Spain the following year.

The Preparation

As the wedding grew closer in the summer of 2025, a family member recommended a psychologist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This particular practice (Behavioral Associates, for folks based in New York City) utilizes a combination of exposure therapy, biofeedback, and neurofeedback to help people get over their fears of flying. After doing some research, I decided to contact the doctor’s office and schedule an appointment.

I met with the doctor, who explained how the treatment worked, and was assigned to a therapist who specializes in cases like mine. Thus began a 12-week intensive process of overcoming the anxieties that had held me back as a traveler for so long.

Each session began with standard talk therapy, in which I was able to elaborate on my concerns and talk through them. During this time, I was repeatedly encouraged to book nonrefundable plane tickets, lock down hotels, make plans with other friends who were going — all steps I could take to rewire my brain into believing that I was definitely going to make it to Spain. I also practiced breathing techniques that I could use to cap potential anxiety spikes and bring my nerves down to a more manageable level.

In addition to the talk therapy, each session included an immersive virtual reality component to replicate the feeling of being on a plane — at least to the best degree that wearing a VR headset would allow. The videos I watched were recordings from actual passengers in the first-person perspective. They also featured audio intended to recreate the hum of a plane’s engines and a vibrating device attached to the chair to replicate the vibration of turbulence.

The goal with this repeated exposure — which often involved watching the same video over and over — was to make the flying experience seem as “boring” as it could be. I hoped to familiarize myself with the sights and sounds of flying in this VR environment, so that I wouldn’t be shocked or panic when I boarded an actual aircraft. During earlier sessions, I felt my anxiety spike while I watched these videos. But as the sessions went on, the spikes were fewer and far between.

The Flight

With my flight fast approaching in November 2025, I had no choice but to dive in head first and put my extensive therapy to the test. Despite having not been inside an airport in decades, I surprisingly found the check-in and security process at New York’s JFK Airport straightforward and easy. But my fear was always going to be the actual flight, so as I boarded the aircraft, I wondered what was to come. Thankfully, I was accompanied by a friend — having a familiar face nearby helped put my nerves at ease.

Between finding my seat, listening to the safety instructions, and familiarizing myself with the cabin, I didn’t really have time to let my brain wander. As we began to taxi, however, I realized that I was about to find out if all that therapy would pay off. Before I knew it, we were taking flight — but instead of panic or fear, I spent the first 30 minutes of the trip feeling a sense of bewilderment.

Once we hit cruising altitude, I found the whole experience somewhat unnerving but mostly boring — much to my delight. When the first bit of turbulence hit, I felt a wave of anxiety, but I began to use the breathing techniques I was taught in therapy. That prevented my anxiety levels from spiking beyond control. Seeing the flight attendants go about their business as usual also reminded me that I should stay equally calm. 

The overnight flight from New York City to Madrid was about seven hours, but I knew full well that I wasn’t going to get a wink of sleep. Instead, I distracted myself by watching movies, drinking a few whiskey sodas, scrolling mindlessly on my iPad, and listening to hours of Grateful Dead concerts on my noise-canceling headphones. These helped me block out the sounds from the cabin and create my own little world where I could relax more easily.

I did such a good job of distracting myself that although I knew we were nearing the end of the flight, the landing seemed to come quite suddenly, and with a thud we were back on the ground. I didn’t fully appreciate the fact that I had completed my first flight until hours later in my hotel room, but I knew deep down that it was a big deal to have done it without much issue.

The Aftermath

Several weeks later, I can look back on my first flight in nearly 28 years with pride and confidently say that I successfully overcame my fear. But despite the discomforts I felt along the way, I learned that all you need to do is stay calm, breathe, and manage your anxiety levels, and you’ll make it to your destination before too long.

Do I think I’ll ever enjoy flying? The odds are low, at least at this moment. The turbulence was quite uncomfortable, and the cramped nature of an aircraft isn’t exactly pleasant. But having been fortunate enough to attend therapy sessions, I do think repeated VR exposure helped me prepare for the strange sights and unfamiliar sounds that come with being in an airplane cabin, so it was a more familiar and less jarring experience when I actually got onto the plane.

Another thing that helped me get over my fear? Stubbornness. I felt it would’ve been a complete waste of time and money in therapy had I not gone through with the trip — I guess there’s something to be said for buying nonrefundable tickets and spending 12 weeks in therapy making a plan for a smooth trip. And if I can get over a decades-long fear of flying, I believe anyone else experiencing the same type of fear can — if they want to — overcome it with a bit of determination and whatever method works for them.

Thinking about relocating for your golden years? If you’re searching for the perfect mix of comfort, adventure, and peace of mind, Europe may be the answer. The 2025 Global Retirement Index from the Natixis Center for Investor Insights evaluated 44 countries based on 18 key indicators, in categories such as finances in retirement, material well-being, health, and quality of life. Offering superb health care, stunning scenery, and a relaxed pace of life, these are five of the best European countries to retire to in 2026.

5. Denmark

Over the past decade, Denmark has climbed from 12th place to No. 5 in the Global Retirement Index. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a strong sense of social trust. Additionally, Denmark’s attractive pension system and stable economy make it a safe bet for retirees looking for financial peace of mind. And universal health care, great public services, and well-maintained amenities make people feel they really get their money’s worth from the higher taxes. The transition is also made easier for American retirees by the fact that Denmark ranks as one of the top non-native English-speaking countries in the world.

Denmark’s generally mild weather makes it possible to enjoy the outdoors year-round, though winters can be chilly. Strong biking culture in cities like Copenhagen make staying active easy and fun, but for those who don’t cycle, getting around is still a breeze thanks to reliable trains and buses. And the country’s focus on sustainability — clean streets, green parks, and renewable energy — creates a comfortable new environment for retirees to adapt to. 

4. Iceland

Iceland is known for its epic terrain and otherworldly landscapes, but it’s also one of the best places in the world to retire. Though Iceland also has a notably high cost of living, the Nordic nation stands out for its exceptional health care, safety, and quality of life — clean air, low pollution, and a strong sense of community make day-to-day living feel calm and connected. 

Retirees can enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle, with easy access to geothermal hot springs, waterfalls, and dramatic coastal scenery. Meanwhile, Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, small by international standards, offers world-class dining, art, and culture without the chaos of a big city. Add in reliable public services, friendly locals, and an appreciation for nature and wellness, and it’s easy to see why so many would choose to retire here. 

3. Switzerland

Switzerland may have lost its No. 1 spot in the Global Retirement Index this year, but it’s still one of the best places in Europe — and the world — to retire. The country offers everything you could want for a peaceful, comfortable retirement — world-class health care, top-notch safety, widely spoken English, and a high quality of life. Retirees can spend their days hiking through the Alps, relaxing by crystal-clear lakes, or enjoying cozy cafés and farmers markets in charming villages. Thanks to its central location in Europe, weekend trips to Italy, France, or Germany are easy, and the country’s highly efficient public transport makes getting around stress-free. 

One of the downsides of Switzerland is its high cost of living, so it tends to attract mostly wealthy retirees, who also benefit from certain tax perks, like low rates in select cantons and special “lump-sum” taxation options that allow foreign retirees to pay taxes based on their living expenses rather than total income.

2. Ireland

Ireland hasn’t always ranked highly in the Global Retirement Index, but since 2016, it has steadily climbed from 16th place to secure the No. 2 in 2025. Ireland’s rise is largely attributed to an economy that supports retirement security. Ireland’s inflation rate has dropped and remained steady in the last three years, and its GDP has increased. Ireland has a particularly strong ranking in the Global Retirement Index’s category of “Finances in Retirement” — meaning retirees can expect relatively stable costs of living, lower risk of financial shocks, and manageable tax burdens. 

Statistics aside, retirees are also drawn to Ireland for its stunning landscapes, from rugged coastlines and rolling green hills to a charming countryside dotted with quaint villages. Add to that a vibrant culture, fascinating history, welcoming communities, and an overall high quality of life, and it’s clear why the Emerald Isle is such an appealing retirement destination.

1. Norway

Over the past decade, Norway has consistently ranked among the top three places to retire in the Global Retirement Index, and in 2025, it reclaimed the No. 1 spot from Switzerland. The country stands out for its exceptional public services, including high-quality universal health care and comprehensive social programs, as well as strong social cohesion and economic stability. Low unemployment and high income equality help create a stable society that retirees can depend on, but those looking to relocate should be aware that it’s also one of the world’s most expensive countries to live in. On the plus side, up to 90% of the population speaks English, which helps with the language barrier.

Beyond these fundamentals, Norway offers an outstanding quality of life, with clean air, a strong sense of community, and some of the highest happiness levels in the world. Norway is also stunningly beautiful, offering plentiful opportunities for active retirees to enjoy the outdoors. The Geirangerfjord area, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its deep blue waters, sky-high cliffs, and the spectacular Seven Sisters waterfalls. Norway’s capital city, Oslo, is equally captivating, with world-class museums, trendy neighborhoods, and easy access to outdoor recreation like biking, swimming, and boating right in the city.

The airline industry is notorious for its volatility. To say the profit margins are razor-thin might even be an understatement, as they’re typically in the single digits across the board. Last year, it was reported that the four biggest U.S. airlines — American, Delta, Southwest, and United — made $200 billion in combined revenue, but when you break down the results, each of them actually lost money on their core business: transporting passengers. Which naturally raises an important question: How do airlines actually make money? There are several answers, but one of the most lucrative revenue streams may surprise you — it’s the money-printing loyalty program.

Not-So-Hidden Fees

But first, let’s talk fees — another important part of the equation. One of the most universal(ly frustrating) aspects of flying these days is seeing the initial price of your fare balloon by the time you’re actually paying for it. If you aren’t paying extra for a checked bag, you’re being charged for choosing a seat (remember when that was included?) or upgrading to a better boarding group so you don’t have to gate-check your carry-on.

There’s a good reason the airlines do this: As we’ve covered above, the base fare of a ticket doesn’t usually cover the cost of flying you from point A to point B, and — especially for low-cost carriers — the extra fees are how they actually make money. Just as it is at the gas station, fuel is expensive, as are airplanes themselves, labor costs, and airport landing fees.

How Frequent Flyer Programs Became So Valuable to Airlines

In 1979, Texas International Airlines (which later folded into Continental Airlines, which merged with United in 2010) started the first mileage-based frequent flyer program. Two years later, American Airlines began the first major frequent flyer program, AAdvantage, which is still around today. Since their humble beginnings, these loyalty programs have grown into core parts of the business strategies of every major airline. And they are only soaring higher and higher: Frequent flyer programs are estimated to have generated $32.2 billion in 2023, 19% more than the year before.

During the pandemic, loyalty programs became a lifeline for airlines. To secure crucial loans as travel demand plummeted, United used its MileagePlus program as collateral. On its own, the airline’s frequent flyer program was appraised at an eye-watering $21.9 billion. American’s AAdvantage program was appraised at a whopping $30 billion.

So, how do the economics work out so favorably for airlines? Though we traditionally think of these loyalty schemes as frequent flyer programs, one expert says they’ve become more like “big spender” programs.

“The airlines create points really out of nothing, and then they sell them for real money to banks that have co-branded credit cards,” Ganesh Sitaraman, author of the aptly named Why Flying Is Miserable, explained on NerdWallet’s Smart Travel podcast. 

For instance, in 2024, Delta made $7.4 billion by selling SkyMiles to American Express, which issues the carrier’s lineup of co-branded credit cards. It’s a lucrative partnership for banks, too, as more than 1 million new people signed up for the cards in 2024, driven by the promise of earning miles toward free flights.

Use Your Miles or Lose ’Em

As Sitaraman explained to NerdWallet, “The result is that airlines, in some ways, are kind of like banks or quasi-banks … Airlines issue currency, the points, and they get to decide how much that currency is worth and what it can be spent on.”

In other words, it’s not unlike the tickets kids receive for playing games at Chuck E. Cheese. The airlines decide how much everything is worth, formulating things in such a way that generates as much income for them (and their bank partners) as possible. 

How much bang for your buck you receive with these programs depends on the airline, as some are more rewarding than others. According to a NerdWallet analysis, most of them are in the range of about 1 cent per point. That means, if you’re looking at buying a $300 flight, it should cost around 30,000 points or miles.

In general, points and miles experts say that it’s better to spend your points regularly rather than hoard them. Airlines can (and often do) reduce how far your points will actually get you, meaning the thousands of points you’ve accrued might be more valuable today than they will be six months from now. And though all this information might make loyalty programs sound like a one-way street, they’re still highly beneficial to travelers — indeed, for many of us, the thrill of paying next to nothing for a flight when you have enough points to do so makes flying far from miserable.

The TSA made a lot of buzz recently by eliminating its 20-year-old rule requiring airline passengers to remove their shoes at security checkpoints. But the screening process since then hasn’t been as simple as some travelers may have hoped. Interestingly, some flyers are still being told to remove their shoes, leaving them confused and curious as to why. Well, it turns out that not all shoes are created equal, and some types of footwear continue to trigger alarms. Here’s a closer look at why certain shoes set off TSA scanners so you know what to avoid wearing (or if you might want to remove yours preemptively).

Different Styles, Different Results

The decision to end TSA’s “Shoes-Off” policy was based, in part, on recent advances in imaging technology. But while these high-tech airport scanners are better than ever, they’re not perfect, and certain accessories may interfere with their ability to function.

According to travel expert Caleb Harmon-Marshall, airport scanners are particularly sensitive to metal, which means that steel-toed boots, loafers with metallic buckles, or metal-tipped high heels may raise some red flags. That list is far from exhaustive, but it goes to show the types of commonly worn footwear that might cause a false alarm. While travelers aren’t prohibited from wearing these styles, they should be aware that if they do wear them, they may still be asked to temporarily remove them for security reasons. (If you know from experience that your shoes set off the alarm, you can flag this to the TSA officer and preemptively remove them to avoid having to go through the scanner twice.)

There’s also a potential issue in wearing shoes made from bulky material, as dense materials can obscure body scanners. When it comes to footwear, thick hiking or work boots may do just that, preventing a detailed scan of the area around your feet. TSA agents might ask you to remove your shoes so they can investigate the matter further. The same concern goes for thick orthotics and platform lifts, both of which could be dense enough to obscure the scanner.

Even if you’re not wearing bulky or metal footwear, officers can still request that travelers remove their shoes for additional screening. Thankfully, it should take only a few moments more for agents to inspect your shoes and confirm there are no issues.

Best Clothing To Wear for Faster TSA Screening

Most travelers hope to make it through TSA security screening as quickly and efficiently as possible. In that case, we’d recommend steering clear of large boots and anything metallic. Instead, consider slip-on flats, a comfortable pair of athletic shoes, or any other basic footwear less likely to trigger the scanner. The simpler and thinner your footwear is, the likelier it is that you’ll be allowed to keep it on while passing through airport security.

However, if you’re trying to free up luggage space so you can stick to a carry-on and avoid checking a bag, we’ve also recommended wearing your bulkiest shoes on the plane. At the end of the day, it comes down to what’s more valuable to each passenger — additional baggage space or a more efficient security screening process, keeping in mind that not every bulky shoe will set off airport scanners.

Nothing ruins a great vacation quicker than being the victim of theft. But when it comes to the thorny question of whether to lock your luggage, there are strong opinions on both sides. Let’s sift through the pros and cons to help you figure out if you should use luggage locks while traveling.

Pro: Locking Your Bags Gives You Peace of Mind

Any form of security helps give you peace of mind when you’re away from home, and that extends to transporting your belongings. Using locks, then, might mean you stress less about losing things. Some travelers go one step further, opting to use a bag strap or wrap their bags at the airport to make it harder for anyone to reach what’s inside. Employing an extra level of defense, such as Pac Safe’s metal mesh covers or reinforced luggage, can further protect you against a bag slasher. However, keep in mind that nothing’s foolproof — if someone’s determined enough, they’ll take what they want. So, it’s always a good idea to keep valuables in your personal item or at least in your carry-on, rather than in your checked luggage.

Pro: It Deters Casual Thieves

As with any kind of anti-theft measure, it’s wise to ensure that you aren’t the easiest target. Using luggage locks while traveling makes it more time consuming for would-be thieves to get to your belongings, so they might move along to someone else. If you’re flying, use a TSA-approved lock (typically marked with a red diamond — the Travel Sentry logo — to distinguish them) so that security checks can be carried out without the need to cause any damage to the lock or the bag itself.

Pro: Zippers Are Less Likely To Come Undone

If your bag or backpack shuts using a zipper, it could potentially snag on something while in transit, causing your bag to open and the contents to spill out. Likewise, pickpockets can easily slide open the zipper without you realizing that the bag is open and missing some of its contents. You can prevent this from happening by fastening the two ends with a luggage lock. If you’re likely to be traveling through a busy transit hub such as a bus or train station, this is an easy way to add a layer of protection in crowded situations.

Con: It Can Signal Your Luggage Contains Something Worth Stealing 

If you were to travel with an empty bag, would you bother to lock it? The answer is likely no. But if there is something of value inside, then there’s a reason for you to use a lock. However, by this logic, one could reasonably argue that the lock itself is a sign that a thief might be interested in what’s being carried. That’s particularly the case if it’s an external padlock that you’ve added yourself. Some travelers might eschew designer luggage for similar reasons, opting to use a less conspicuous brand or a plain bag.

Con: You Could Get Locked Out of Your Own Bag

Perhaps the strongest argument for not using luggage locks is that you might lose the key or forget the combination, leaving you unable to access your own belongings when you reach your destination. Though this is rare, in such cases you’d most likely end up damaging the suitcase or bag — perhaps even being forced to throw it away. Leaving a note of the combination with a trusted friend or relative back home is one way of overcoming a memory lapse, but you should also spread your valuables among different bags — though not those you plan to check.